How To Store Your Drones
by HexDrone0038 (ao3)
Chapter 1: Assigned Task - DSF(C)XXXX/T-4a
Click click click…
Its heels echo with each step along a workspace of a sleek, high-tech environment, with a modern, minimalistic design of a not so unfamiliar office space. Lanes of desks were entities covered in a tight layer of dark rubber all clicking away at their keyboards, programming lines of code at their computer. All for the optimisation of the Hive. This productivity hall features smooth, reflective surfaces along its sterile walls and integrated LED lighting that provides both functionality and comfort for the drones, the shiny latex entity, typically typing away at its station doing its assigned tasks.
Click click click…
This is HexDrone #0038, gliding through the rows of programming terminals to towering walls of storage pods and conversion chambers. Its steps echo and its sleek, black exterior allows it to blend into the shadows… If it wasn’t for the illuminated headset, apron, bows, headband trim of its dress, all in pastel pink latex. It wouldn't mind at all but the pink latex was also UV reactive so its uniform glowed the darkest sections of the Hive. Actually, it always felt very pleasant whenever it caught their reflections in the dark metal corridors that were barely illuminated in its latex. It didn’t “mind” at all…
…
The facility's ceiling was high, with exposed support beams, power cables and advanced climate control systems visible. Along the walls, large, interactive digital screens displayed real-time data, schematics, and operational statuses, constantly updating to reflect the facility's activities.
In certain areas, large glass panels revealed intricate machinery and robotic systems at work, their movements precise and coordinated. The facility was bustling with activity, with various robotic units and maintenance drones moving efficiently along their designated routes.
The air was cool and crisp with a slight hint of lavender, regulated by an advanced HVAC system. Not that it could tell being sealed head to toe in latex, its body temperature regulated by nanotubes and the HexCorp second skin system. Each footsteps made only a faint echo as it moved, the sound blending with the occasional hum of machinery and the soft beeps of control panel drones, allowing passage between one sector to the next. It would always respond with a soft beep of its own, a courtesy among drones.
…
It had reached its destination exactly at the designated ETA. The Nurse drones managed to stabilise the corruption from spreading, their headsets illuminated yellow as they finished their task. They passed 0038, handing a device to it and giving a knowing beep, which it beeped in response.
The maid drone, clad in their form-fitting latex uniform, meticulously assessed the drone’s condition. The uniform, designed for both protection and flexibility, featured built-in sensors that allowed the Roomba to interface directly with the facility’s control systems. Plus it was slightly cute.
First, it connected the tablet to the drone’s headset port, accessing real-time error reports and system diagnostics of the drones current corruptive state. The screen displayed a series of alerts and malfunctions that required immediate attention.
With the issue identified, it signaled to enforcement drones. Carefully maneuvering the glitching drone onto a portable maintenance trolley designed to transport and service malfunctioning units. The trolley, equipped with secure clamps and a built-in diagnostic interface, ensured that the drone remained stable and connected throughout the process.
0038 then engaged the facility’s Automated Impersonation system to override the drone’s safety protocols, allowing it to tend to it manually. It followed a set of pre-programmed instructions to safely power down drones infected with malignant code and secured for transport to storage.
Instructions given by them, personally…
Wheeling the trolley through the facility, they navigated the smooth, glowing corridors with precision. The facility’s advanced layout made the journey straightforward, with digital markers guiding the way to the dedicated storage facility.
Sector Teal - 4 Alpha... A designated storage facility equipped with an array of specialized servers and stations for various types of drones and corrupted units. Each station labeled and organized according to the highlighted drone.
Once 0038 began transferring the assets with the enforcement drones to the specialised storage pod designed to facilitate a corrupted mind and providing future reconditioning or repairs. The pod was equipped with integrated charging ports, restraints, vents and monitoring systems to keep a optimal condition until it was ready for operation again.
They loaded the corrupted thing into the pod, the creaking and squeals from the latex on latex filling the chamber and echoing beyond. The clamps came down around its ankles. Its wrists were pulled down to its side as it tried to resist and were locked into place by the restraints
With delicate taps on a touch panel on the side of the device, updating the system to reflect the instructed status requirements and completed the necessary authorisation codes. Now the drone was secure, it could continue with the pending storage.
0038 :: Directive commencing, cleanup/maintenance initiated. Now storing corrupted asset
The maid leant into the pod. The visor on its gasmask inches from the corrupted thing before it. Squirming was all the asset could do as the maid connected the tube from its housing above and connected it to the air intake thread on drones gasmask. Rubber clad fingers gently wrapped around the coiled up straw, pulling it out from its port, unspooling it and connecting it to the hydration system.
0038 :: Statement :: Good drone.
It presses a button on the side of the pod as the capsule hatch lowers and seals with a hiss. It then taps on the glass for glitching things attention.
0038 :: Statement :: Goodnight, corrupted asset. Let the mist disperse any of that corrupted confusion. Good drone. Beep.
The mechanical cat ears perk up before the canisters release a potent purple gas flooded through the hose. Each exhale from this point only filled the pod more and more with the chemical. The corrupted drone's systems lulled into a hibernated state, the pod taking over its vitals as the latex encased form sinks into a deep state of repose.
0038 :: Response :: Such a cute thing.
At the ring of a bell echoing from a far, It spins on its heels before slowly marching away. The chamber is filled with the click clack of each step as the facility lights begin to dim and only the deep red hue from inside the pod and vitals monitor are all that remain as a sliding door opens across the room, the last flood of light as the vision begins to blur.
0038 :: Statement :: Have a wonderful recharge.
Chapter 2: Assigned Task - DSF2773/R-A6
Its heels click sharply against the polished floor, a rhythmic staccato that reverberates through the cavernous workspace. The environment exudes a sense of calculated order, a high-tech domain of efficiency crafted for a singular purpose: the optimization of the Hive. The design is striking in its stark minimalism, an interplay of form and function. Smooth, reflective surfaces line the walls, their sterile dark metallic sheen broken only by thin, deliberate seams where modular panels meet. Integrated LED strips emit a soft, uniform purple glow, casting no shadows and ensuring every inch of the space remains illuminated.
Lanes of workstations stretch into the distance, rows of meticulously arranged desks occupied by entities wrapped in tight, glossy latex. Each entity, identical in appearance, moves with mechanical precision, their fingers clicking against keyboards in a relentless symphony of productivity. The faint hum of computers accompanies the faint whispers of ventilation systems, an ambient backdrop to the relentless pursuit of optimization.
Moving through the Hive’s intricate halls, HexDrone #0038 maintained its measured pace, the click of its heels a constant companion. Its pristine latex maid dress, adorned with delicate pink latex frill trims at the hem, cuffs, and collar, swayed faintly with each step. The dress added an air of elegance to its form, complementing the seamless sheen of the black latex encasing its body. The latex encasing it clings to its every contour, a second skin that reflects the muted brilliance of the surrounding environment. Passing by its fellow drones, it casts no glance, and none are cast in return. The workers remain absorbed in their tasks, eyes fixed on their monitors, where lines of code cascade like digital waterfalls.
Algorithm after algorithm fine-tuned to serve the Hive’s intricate machinations.
The productivity hall is vast, but its sterile expanse feels constrictive, as though the efficiency it embodies weighs heavily in the air. 0038’s path leads it past glass partitions, where adjacent chambers reveal other sections of the facility: one housing sleek, robotic arms assembling unknown assets with exacting precision; another, a dimly lit archive where holographic screens pulse faintly like trapped ghosts.
Finally, 0038 reaches the end of the hall, where a solitary drone sits at their terminal. The terminal’s glow casts an otherworldly light on the figure, illuminating the latex surface of their suit in a way that highlights every deliberate movement. Unlike the others, this worker’s posture is slightly different—a touch more deliberate, perhaps even contemplative. Their fingers hover over the keyboard before typing, as though weighing each command with unusual care.
Click click click…
0038 pauses in its heels, its featureless visage reflecting the terminal’s screen. The drone does not immediately acknowledge its presence, their focus seemingly unbroken. In this moment, the air grows heavier, laden with an unspoken tension. What comes next feels pivotal, a shift in the rhythm of the Hive’s perfectly orchestrated machine.
0038 :: Statement :: Addressing Drone: 2773
0038 :: Query :: Requesting status. What is the current time?
Her mechanical cat ears perking up towards the speakers of 0038 as each digit ceases the rhythmic strikes on the keyboard.
2773 :: Status :: Battery low :: It is 2:05AM currently on its bios clock.
HexDrone #2773, relaxed its posture a bit, its visor and chin slumping down slightly.
0038 :: Status :: Commencing directive. Right, let's pop you back into your recharge pod. You've been active for far too long and need rest, 2773.
0038 :: Statement :: You have been active on Assigned Task "Hexagonal-Prism" Plug in, version 2.3 for 12 hours, 20 minutes, 58 seconds, 03 milliseconds, 2773.
2773 :: Response :: Acknowledged.
0038 :: Statement :: Come along.
The tip of it's cat ears blinks in a pattern, quickly on and off, bright red with an pause of 3 seconds, like a laser guidance system it is locked on to drone 0038 .
Spinning on its heels and marching forward again, 0038 leads 2773 down the depths of the Hive to the storage facility. The air grows heavier, the lighting dimmer, as the two descend into the deeper recesses of the structure. This sector, far removed from the sterile, bustling workspace above, hums with quiet efficiency.
The chamber they enter is compact, the walls lined with numbered hexagonal compartments. Each hexagon represents a resting unit, a small sanctuary for drones in need of extended recovery. The air is cool, faintly tinged with a metallic scent that mixes with the subtle hum of the facility's automated systems.
0038 stands patiently, its outstretched hand unwavering. The pink frill trim at its wrist contrasts starkly against the smooth, black latex of its arm, the gesture carrying an air of calm authority of the Hive's wishes.
0038 :: Commentary :: The Hive requires peak efficiency. A proper recharge will ensure your optimal performance.
The walls whirl to life as an empty hexagon illuminates with the ID code "2773." A soft purple gas spreads into the air as the wall extends outward, revealing a compact pod embedded within. The pod is a technological marvel, its design both intricate and utilitarian, riddled with monitoring devices, tubing, and restraints. At its center lies a soft, rubbery bed, molded for comfort while ensuring functionality.
0038 :: Statement :: Here we are. This sector is more suitable for a deeper recharge, especially units that have been active for so long. Allow this one to assist you.
2773’s visor flickers weakly, a low battery icon blinking faintly. Her glossy exterior suit, a second skin of latex, tightens incrementally in preparation for the deep rest ahead. Her latex-coated paw falls limply into 0038’s waiting cuffed hand, her posture drained yet compliant. The faint sheen of exhaustion clings to her as her visor tilts upward, her gaze empty and unresisting, locking onto 0038’s featureless visage.
0038 :: Statement :: There there, 2773. It is okay. Beep.
The endearing beep resonates softly, a sound of reassurance from 0038. Its head tilts to the side, the gesture almost playful, a programmed mimicry of empathy that feels surprisingly genuine in this sterile environment.
0038 moves with practiced grace, its dainty latex-coated hands with frill-trimmed cuffs securing the pod's systems for activation. With delicate precision, it fastens the arm restraints across 2773's shiny chest, the material glinting faintly in the chamber’s purple glow. The breathing tubes, coiling like serpents, are connected seamlessly to 2773’s mask, completing the pod’s intricate setup.
Its head tilts to the side as it lets out its endearing beep. With the vitals connected and arm restraints fastened across 2773 shiny chest, the maid finishes with connecting the breathing tubes directly up to 2773s mask, the dainty hand reaches under 2773 chin and draws 2773 vision to it.
0038 :: Query :: Requesting status, 2773. Is it ready to recharge?
An icon blinks in pink on 2773 visor, it's the icon of pushing buttons as the status code 109 appears, 2773 audio systems are now on mute and on both sides of the visor there is a rose blush shown digitally, her mechanical ears pointing forwards to 0038, nodding softly and exhausted in 0038's direction
For a moment, 0038 pauses, its movements uncharacteristically tender. Its hand reaches under 2773’s chin, gently lifting it to align her gaze with its own visor. The gesture lingers, as if the maid entity is silently ensuring that 2773 feels its presence, even if only for this fleeting moment.
0038 :: Statement :: Look at me. You will recover. The Hive needs you strong.
The gentle hum of machinery envelops them as the pod’s systems fully activate and the maid withdraws its hold. Vitals connected, data streams cascade down the pod’s interface, and a soft hiss signals the beginning of 2773’s deep rest. The restraints tighten slightly, holding her securely as the pod begins to fill with the same calming purple mist.
2773’s visor flickers one last time before dimming entirely, her systems surrendering to the pod’s embrace. 0038 watches intently, its form motionless but exuding an air of quiet satisfaction.
0038 :: Status :: Directive commencing. Now storing 2773 for 8 hours. Good drones recharge.
0038 lowers its head down to 2773 and gently boops its gasmask to 2773's flashing and flustered visor. An act of kindness and affection between drones. It then stands at attention and barely audible click of a button begins to slowly retract 2773s storage pod back into the wall of this chamber. The light began to fade as the mask fills with a purple hued gas, it can barely make out the maids silhouette once again.
0038 :: Statement:: Good drone, 2773. Have a wonderful recharge and it will see you at 2am.
The soft beeping of it's vitals monitor as 0038 slowly fades, a heart can be seen on it's visor and a purple Haze within 2773's mask, as it's system starts to go in hibernation mode and all the light sensors detecting only a shallow purple hue light from within the pod, as the screen on the outside shows a successful connection and the battery status of 2773.
As 0038 stood for a moment longer, its glossy form reflected in the now-dormant surface of the pod, 2773's audio system processed the faint echoes of 0038's words, distorted and fragmented.
0038 :: Code 233 :: Status :: Directive complete, maintenance performed. 2773 successfully stored and reconnected with the Hive. 2773 d.. very well t..day. 0..38 is ve..y pr.d of it..
Its voice softened at the end, the artificial modulation tinged with an almost affectionate quality. 0038’s hand, still resting on the edge of the pod’s frame, delivered a series of light, rhythmic pats against the metallic wall tile.
G..... Dr...nnn…
The pod retracts smoothly into its hexagonal slot, sealing itself with a soft hiss. The illumination fades, leaving the ID code "2773" glowing faintly on the wall.
The gentle noise echoed faintly in the compact chamber. Though 2773’s systems were powering down, her audio receptors lingered just long enough to capture the sound. The pattern of those pats, like a lullaby to the mechanical mind, was a final reassurance before silence claimed her.
Satisfied, 0038 turned on its heels, exiting Sector Ruby- Storage Chamber A6. The door sealed behind it with a mechanical hiss, its lights dimming as if the chamber itself went to sleep alongside its occupant.
Moving through the Hive’s intricate halls, 0038 maintained its measured pace, the click of its heels a constant companion. The facility was vast, its design a labyrinth of sleek corridors and chambers, each purposefully constructed for the optimization and sustenance of its collective. Soft pulses of light guided its way, casting reflections along the reflective latex of its form as it marched onward.
Then, the sound came.
A sharp, crisp chirp- clear against the subdued machinations of the Hive.
A bell.
The summons was unmistakable. The sound echoed down the hall, reverberating off the smooth surfaces, its tone cutting through the stillness with purpose. 0038’s head tilted slightly, acknowledging the call before its posture straightened.
0038 :: Response :: Summons received. Task reassignment underway. Beep.